Interesting facts and websites about Catherine the Great.
 

Facts:

- Catherinian Era

Catherine the Great is considered to be one of the greatest monarchs in Russian history. She was the only female ruler in Russia who reigned for more than three decades. Her influence was so impressive that the time of her rule is now called as the Catherinian Era or Golden  Age of the Russian Empire. 

-Wild Ride

During the early ages of her marriage, Catherine spent much of her free time horse riding. She did not like the idea of side-saddle riding. She said:

"The more violent the exercise, the more I enjoyed it."

-Fike

When she was a child, Catherine had the nickname "Fike," short for "Figchen."

-Kickstarted Immunity

Catherine the Great kicked off the vaccine against smallpox. In 1762 she called medical experts to vaccinate herself, her son and all her court in order to show everybody the safety of the vaccine.

Quotes:

"A great wind is blowing and that either gives you imagination...or a headache." 

"I like to praise and reward in a loud voice and to scold in a whisper." 

Websites:

1) Here is a trailer for Russian movie about Catherine the Great that is going to help you to plunge into the atmosphere of  Russia's "Golden age".

2) Here is a timeline of major events in Catherine's life.